Ad urges smokefree homes

A government campaign has been launched to highlight the dangers of secondhand smoke to children in cars and houses.

The radio and television advertisements demonstrate how secondhand smoke from cigarettes is invisible but can cause serious damage to health.

The television adverts show a baby being exposed to smoke as her mother has a cigarette in an open doorway and children in the backseat of a car covered in smoke as their father smokes out the window of the driver's seat.

According to a study carried out by the National Research Council in 1986, 85% of secondhand smoke is not visible to the human eye.

However, the smoke can increase the risk of cot death, meningitis and lung problems.

Research by the Royal College of Physicians found that two million children live in house where they are exposed to secondhand smoke.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "This campaign will raise awareness of this danger and encourage people to take action to protect others from secondhand smoke."

"Next week we will end tobacco displays in large shops. We will also be consulting on plain packaging this spring."

Prof Dame Sally Davies, England's chief medical officer, said: "Smoking damages our lungs, causes cancers and is now the biggest risk for cot death. Parents who smoke need to think about the effect it has on their family."

"Giving up smoking or making sure you have a completely smokefree home and car is the only way to protect your family."